Jonny Wilkinson: On The Spot

Jonny Wilkinson is one of the most recognisable faces in rugby after kicking England to World Cup glory against Australia in the 2003 final. Currently playing for Toulon, his impressive form has helped them to the summit of the Top 14.

Jonny Wilkinson’s impressive form has helped Toulon to the summit of the Top 14Age:29Clubs:Newcastle and ToulonHonours:World Cup winner; 78 England caps, six outings for the British & irish Lions and an OBE for services to this sportYou kicked 23 points for Toulon against Perpignan last Saturday to put your side at the summit of the Top 14 â things are obviously going well in France.

To be honest, I struggle to talk about my achievements and would rather focus on the teamâs efforts but it was rewarding to know the effort I put in helped round off a good overall performance â it confirms Iâm on the right path at the moment. As a team, weâre in a good situation, we are functioning well and pulling together and we are enjoying ourselves. But we realise our momentum can come shuddering to a halt at any time.

If youâre going to take top spot, now is a pretty good time to do it.

At the start of the season the plan is to have something meaningful to play for until the very last day. If you are involved in the race for the title this late itâs extremely satisfying because it means you are doing everything right.

What differences have you found between rugby here and in France?

On the pitch thereâs a little bit of a difference in the way the games are reffed and the tactical sides of things are not always the same as they are back home, but the way the game is played is universal. Off the pitch thereâs a real passion and an enormous support for the game. Thereâs a drive and pride associated with the region and although it is similar in England it is usually associated with football more than rugby. Itâs the other way round in the Toulon area.

So do you enjoy superstar status with the fans?

They are incredible people who know the players and arenât afraid to come up and say âhiâ, âwell doneâ and âgood luckâ, but they donât want to know what you are up to other than if you are happy at the club and playing well.

French rugby is awash with cash at present so the top teams can attract the worldâs star names.

Thereâs a nice mix of players who have played in the Premiership, and big names from places like Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji as well as the more traditional southern-hemisphere nations. They all add to the culture over here and it enriches the game. But the French are still able to breathe and develop their own players to strengthen their national side, which is important.

Is that the blueprint which has to be followed at home?

Yes, clubs need to be ambitious but they have to stay within their financial boundaries and also have strong academies or there is the danger we will end up with no product at all.

Looking forward to Englandâs summer trip to Australia?

Itâs been a while since I have been on a tour with England. The last one was in 2007 and before that it was back in 2003. They are incredible experiences and are important for the development of the team as there are few greater challenges than taking on a strong nation in their own backyard in a Test series. Thereâs still a lot of rugby to be played before we see whether or not I am going on this tour but I hope to be healthy and playing well for this one.

Are you still relaxing by playing your guitar? You have a reputation for being a dab hand at covering the Arctic Monkeys.

I still enjoy playing acoustic guitar but obviously canât play in a band with my brother and friends. I often hear a song at training then go home to find out more about the band on YouTube because I havenât heard them before.

Jonny Wilkinson has been taking part in the Volvic 14 Day Challenge, drinking a litre and a half of Volvic a day for 14 days to stay more hydrated, active and alert. For more information visit volvic.co.uk.